Published: Monday, August 11, 2014 at 4:49 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, August 11, 2014 at 4:49 p.m.

Retention rates for first-time college freshmen are on the rise at Nicholls State University and Fletcher Technical Community College.

For Fletcher during the 2013-14 academic year, the freshman retention rate, or the number of students who return after their first year in school, was 58.5 percent, a 5 percentage point increase from prior years' rates, according to school statistics.

Fletcher's rate is well above the 51.8 percent rate for all public two-year colleges in Louisiana in 2010, as reported in The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems fact book.

At Nicholls, the 2012-13 retention rate was roughly 67.8 percent, just above the state average of 67.5 percent average for public four-year universities in Louisiana, Nicholls' Publications Coordinator Stephanie Verdin said.

Nicholls' current rate is up dramatically from the roughly 42 percent reported in 2005. said Amy Hebert, coordinator of Nicholls' Academic Advising Center. said the increase is a result of restructuring the way students' first semesters are handled.

Changes to the structure of advising, along with other initiatives that bring more focus to the first year, are a big part of the freshman program, Hebert said.

“Faculty interaction, meeting with advisers, is one of the biggest factors contributing to student success,” she said.

Hebert said advisers are students' lifeline when it comes to navigating their first days as college students.

“Several studies show that weeks one through five of freshman year are the most impactful time. Students will normally decide if this is the right thing for them to be doing early on in their freshman year,” Hebert said.

Each freshman is required to take a university studies course taught by academic advisers, Herbert said. The one-credit-hour course introduces students to various programs, resources and facilities on campus.

The course also affords freshmen the opportunity to meet with their advisers more often.

“In essence, students get to see their advisers 12 times in their first semester. That's pretty significant,” Hebert said.

Fletcher also has several resources available for its first-time freshmen, Public Relations Director Jessica Thornton said.

“Fletcher's advising department is continuously promoting tips to students in an attempt to help them through their college years,” Thornton said.

Through freshman orientation, student center announcements and social media, advisers work to keep freshmen abreast of campus events, schedules and study tips.

“Additionally, the advising department has a walk-in policy. Their doors are always open for students,” Thornton said.

Socialization and campus involvement are also important in making the transition from high school to college.

“We always tell our students to find one thing on campus that they can get involved in outside of class,” Hebert said. “Making that connection with other people on campus through a campus organization or some other form of involvement is very important.”

Hebert said the more involved students are with various student organizations, the more likely they are to make friends and form study groups with peers. This leads to more success in their collegiate careers.

Also available for students at Nicholls are the school's tutoring, writing and counseling centers. These are low- or no-cost options for students who need help adjusting to college life, Hebert said.

Fletcher also offers academic assistance for students in its Academic Learning Resource Center.

The center is “designed to assist students in every class from math to English to history and everything in between,” Thornton said.

One-on-one tutoring, computers, printers and learning software used in courses is available in the center. Center Coordinator Ryan Lecompte has extensive experience working with students with obstacles like dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Chancellor Earl Meador said Fletcher focuses on serving students to ensure they stay in school.

“Our primary focus is to not let anyone fall out the back door because we didn't serve them. It's one of my passions,” Meador said.

Staff Writer Chris LeBlanc can be reached at 857-2202 or chris.leblanc@houmatoday.com.

<p>Retention rates for first-time college freshmen are on the rise at Nicholls State University and Fletcher Technical Community College.</p><p>For Fletcher during the 2013-14 academic year, the freshman retention rate, or the number of students who return after their first year in school, was 58.5 percent, a 5 percentage point increase from prior years' rates, according to school statistics.</p><p>Fletcher's rate is well above the 51.8 percent rate for all public two-year colleges in Louisiana in 2010, as reported in The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems fact book.</p><p>At Nicholls, the 2012-13 retention rate was roughly 67.8 percent, just above the state average of 67.5 percent average for public four-year universities in Louisiana, Nicholls' Publications Coordinator Stephanie Verdin said.</p><p>Nicholls' current rate is up dramatically from the roughly 42 percent reported in 2005. said Amy Hebert, coordinator of Nicholls' Academic Advising Center. said the increase is a result of restructuring the way students' first semesters are handled.</p><p>Changes to the structure of advising, along with other initiatives that bring more focus to the first year, are a big part of the freshman program, Hebert said.</p><p>“Faculty interaction, meeting with advisers, is one of the biggest factors contributing to student success,” she said.</p><p>Hebert said advisers are students' lifeline when it comes to navigating their first days as college students.</p><p>“Several studies show that weeks one through five of freshman year are the most impactful time. Students will normally decide if this is the right thing for them to be doing early on in their freshman year,” Hebert said.</p><p>Each freshman is required to take a university studies course taught by academic advisers, Herbert said. The one-credit-hour course introduces students to various programs, resources and facilities on campus.</p><p>The course also affords freshmen the opportunity to meet with their advisers more often.</p><p>“In essence, students get to see their advisers 12 times in their first semester. That's pretty significant,” Hebert said. </p><p>Fletcher also has several resources available for its first-time freshmen, Public Relations Director Jessica Thornton said.</p><p>“Fletcher's advising department is continuously promoting tips to students in an attempt to help them through their college years,” Thornton said.</p><p>Through freshman orientation, student center announcements and social media, advisers work to keep freshmen abreast of campus events, schedules and study tips.</p><p>“Additionally, the advising department has a walk-in policy. Their doors are always open for students,” Thornton said.</p><p>Socialization and campus involvement are also important in making the transition from high school to college.</p><p>“We always tell our students to find one thing on campus that they can get involved in outside of class,” Hebert said. “Making that connection with other people on campus through a campus organization or some other form of involvement is very important.”</p><p>Hebert said the more involved students are with various student organizations, the more likely they are to make friends and form study groups with peers. This leads to more success in their collegiate careers. </p><p>Also available for students at Nicholls are the school's tutoring, writing and counseling centers. These are low- or no-cost options for students who need help adjusting to college life, Hebert said.</p><p>Fletcher also offers academic assistance for students in its Academic Learning Resource Center.</p><p>The center is “designed to assist students in every class from math to English to history and everything in between,” Thornton said.</p><p>One-on-one tutoring, computers, printers and learning software used in courses is available in the center. Center Coordinator Ryan Lecompte has extensive experience working with students with obstacles like dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.</p><p>Chancellor Earl Meador said Fletcher focuses on serving students to ensure they stay in school.</p><p>“Our primary focus is to not let anyone fall out the back door because we didn't serve them. It's one of my passions,” Meador said.</p><p>Staff Writer Chris LeBlanc can be reached at 857-2202 or chris.leblanc@houmatoday.com.</p>